Eight Republican candidates participate in the first Tea Party Republican Debate Monday on CNN. Read the live blog below. Follow all the issues and campaign news about the debate on CNNPolitics.com and @cnnpolitics on Twitter. Watch the debate on CNN TV, CNN.com and mobile devices.

9:51 p.m. ET–Bachmann: Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution

9:51 p.m. ET–Romney: A bust of Winston Churchill.

9:50 p.m. ET–Perry: The most beautiful, most thoughtful, incredible first lady the nation has ever seen, my wife Anita.

9:50 p.m. ET–Paul: A bushel basketful of common sense. A course in economics.

9:50 p.m. ET-–Gingrich: Well, first of all, I would reduce the White House by kicking out all the White House czars the first day, creating a lot more space. And then, because of Callista's interest, we'd have a lot more music, because of my granddaughter, Maggie, we'd have ballet, and because of my grandson, Robert, we'd have a very large chess set. So it'll all come together.

9:50 p.m. ET –Santorum: We have 7 children. We'd add a bedroom, or bring some beds to the White House.

9:49 p.m. ET–Q: What would you bring to the White House if you were president?9:46 p.m. ET–@DWStweets Hispanic voters were sent a pretty clear message tonight about how GOP field feels about their priorities. #notwelcomehere #CNNTeaParty

9:44 p.m. ET–Huntsman: We are 10 years into this war, Sahar. America has given its all in Afghanistan. The time has come for us to get out of Afghanistan. We don't need 100,000 troops there when this nation needs to be built. When we start shining again, it's going to help the women of Afghanistan, along with any other NGO work that can be done there and the collaborative efforts of great volunteer efforts here in the United States. We can get it done, but we have to make sure that the Afghan people increasingly take responsibility for their security going forward.

9:43 p.m. ET–Q from audience: I was brought here from Ronald Reagan. I am from Afghanistan.
What will you do to secure safety and protection of the women and the children of Afghanistan from the radicals?

9:42 p.m. ET–Paul: As long as this country follows that idea, we're going to be under a lot of danger. This whole idea that the whole Muslim world is responsible for this, and they're attacking us because we're free and prosperous, that is just not true.

9:41 p.m. ET–Santorum to Paul: On your Web site on 9/11, you had a blog post that basically blamed the United States for 9/11. On your Web site, yesterday, you said that it was our actions that brought about the actions of 9/11. That is irresponsible. Someone who is running for the president of the United States in the Republican Party should not be parroting what Osama bin Laden said on 9/11. We are not being attacked because of our actions.

9:40 p.m. ET–Paul: I'm tired of all the militarism we're involved in and wasting this money. There's a lot of room to cut on the military, but not on defense. We're under great threat because we occupy so many countries.

9:39 p.m.ET–Q from Twitter: Do you believe in cutting military spending to balance spending? Or do you believe high spending is essential to security?

9:37 p.m. ET–Cain: Remove barriers by the federal government. I would start with an EPA that's gone wild.
9:37 p.m. ET–Q from Phoenix, Arizona: What will you do to ensure that energy independence will finally become a reality?

9:37 p.m. ET–@AnnCoulter I didn't mind the vaccine, social security is a ponzi scheme, but the illegal immigration issue is killing Perry.

9:36 p.m. ET–Huntsman: Fix Homeland Security.

9:35 p.m. ET – @PaulBegala: Boos for Perry & his DREAM Act for children who came to TX w/undoc parents. I'm beginning to think this crowd is right-wing. #CNNTeaParty

9:35 p.m. ET–Perry: This is a states' rights issue. And that was to give people the opportunity to go on to college and not be a drag on the system. It worked well and it works for the state of Texas.

9:34p.m. ET–Romney: The question was how to we attract Hispanic votes. And the answer is tell them what they know in their heart and that's that they and their ancestors did not come here for a handout. Of course we build a fence. Of course we don't' give in-state tuition credits to people who come here illegally.

9:32 p.m. ET–@PeterHambyCNN Bachmann & Santorum doing what they needed to do tonight: Not let up on Perry, stay punchy, be as conservative as possible

9:32 p.m. ET–Huntsman: For Rick to say that you can't secure the border is I think pretty much a treasonous comment. We can secure the border through the use of fences...we can get it done.

9:31 p.m. ET–Bachmann: That's not the American way.

9:31 p.m. ET–Perry: In the state of Texas if you're working and pursuing citizenship, you pay in-state tuition and it doesn't matter how your last name sounds.

9:30 p.m. ET–@rolandsmartin: Santorum wants English as the official language on what to do to attract Latino voters. Yep, that'll do it, Rick! LOL #CNNTeaParty

9:30 p.m. ET–Q from Twitter: What are the candidates doing to attract Latino voters?

9:29 p.m.ET–Perry says he has more experience than anyone else on the stage when dealing with immigration. Perry: 1200 miles of Texas and Mexico and our federal government has been an abject failure at securing our border. The idea that you're going to build a wall is just not reality. What you have to have is boots on the ground.

9:28 p.m. ET–Santorum: We need to build more fence, we need to secure the border using technology and more personnel. After the borders are secure, then we can deal with the problems that are in this country.
9:27 p.m. ET–Q from Cincinnati, Ohio: What would you do to remove illegal immigrants from this country?

9:20 p.m. ET–Bachmann: No state should be able to force anyone to buy anything. This is the election that's going to decide if we have socialized medicine in this country or not.

9:18 p.m. ET–Paul: That's what freedom is all about, taking your own risk. It's about individual responsibility. I've worked in hospitals, we've never turned anyone away. We should legalize alternative health care and allow people to do what they want.

9:18 p.m. ET–Q: If an uninsured 30-year-old has a serious accident, who would pay for treatment under your health plan?

9:17 p.m. ET–@murphymike: That screaming laughter you hear in the distant air is the POTUS doing a wild happy arm flapping super jig in WH while watching all this.

9:15 p.m. ET–Romney stands by his law in Massachusetts. Romney: I'm not running for governor, I'm running for president. On day one as president I'd repeal Obamacare. Says what he did and what the president did are very different.

9:14 p.m. ET–Q from Orange Park, Florida: What will you do to reduce the cost of health care?

9:12 p.m. ET–Santorum: What Gov. Perry is saying is he believes his policy was right. I believe it was wrong. This was bad policy and it should not have been done.

9:10p.m. ET–Perry: The company was Merck. The donation was $5,000. I've raised $30 million on my own. I can't be bought for $5,000. If you're suggesting I can, I'm offended.

9:10 p.m. ET–@rolandsmartin: Ooh! Bachmann went there! She is trying to tie the drug company with the vaccination in Texas to campaign contributions #CNNTeaParty

9:10 p.m. ET--Bachmann accuses Perry of benefiting from executive order in Texas

9:08 p.m. ET–Perry: If I had it to do over again (signing executive order requiring vaccine against cervical cancer in Texas), I would do it differently. But what was driving me was making a difference in young people's lives. I will use an executive order to get rid of as much of Obamacare as I can.

9:07 p.m. ET–Paul: They've been grossly abused by the administration for years. It should never be used to legislate. That's what is so bad.

9:06 p.m. ET–Q from Virginia: How frequently should executive order be signed?

9:05 p.m. ET–Romney: The idea of a national sales tax has a lot to go for it. It would make us more competitive globally and level the playing field in the country. But the way it's structured is a real problem, it lowers the burden on the very highest income folks and it hurts the middle class the most.
9:04 p.m. ET–Q from Cincinnati, Ohio: Would any of you be willing to support a fair tax?

8:58 p.m. ET–Bachmann: That's up to Gov. Perry. I wouldn't keep him as chairman. The federal reserve has a lot to answer for. They've got to be put on a tight leash.

8:57 p.m. Q: Do you agree with Perry, who came close to accusing Fed chief Bernanke of treason?

8:56 p.m. ET–Cain: Yes it should be audited. And I believe it's focus needs to be narrowed. I don't believe in ending the fed, I believe in fixing the Fed.
8:55 p.m. ET– Santorum: Yes. With respect to the last segment, what we need to do is have a pro-growth plan that can pass the Congress with Democratic support.

8:54 p.m. ET–Q from Gastonia, North Carolina: What is your position on the Federal Reserve? Should it be audited?

8:50 p.m. ET–Cain: Absolutely.

8:49 p.m. ET–Q: Can you be pro-business and pro-worker at the same time?

8:49 p.m. ET - @EWErickson: My big question right now: will Perry fade into the 2nd hour? He did last time. If not, he's locking in his front runner status.

8:48 p.m.ET-Gingrich: Go to the American people. Turn up the light on the people and they'll turn the light up on Congress. I'd be glad to work with Democrats in any office but I'd do it on principle, not on compromising principle.

8:48 p.m. ET-Q: Would you compromise with Democrats?

8:47 p.m. ET- Perry: While I've been governor, I've cut taxes. There are people coming to Texas because they know there's still a land of freedom in America and it's called Texas.

8:46 p.m. ET-Paul: Not quite. I'm a taxpayer there, my taxes have gone up. I don't want to offend the governor, he might raise my taxes.
8:44 p.m. ET- Romney: Yes. But if you're dealt four aces you're not necessarily a good poker player.
8:43 p.m. ET-Q: Does Perry deserve credit for jobs created in Texas?

8:42 p.m. ET–Romney: The world has changed. We've gone from a pay phone world to a smartphone world and President Obama keeps jamming quarters into the payphone...its not going to work, it's not connected.

8:40 p.m. ET–Bachmann: I was one of the only people in the country that said "Do not raise the debt ceiling." Repeal Dodd-Frank, repeal Obamacare, it's really not that hard to try, you just have to have the backbone to do it.

8:39 p.m. ET–Perry: People are tired of us spending money on programs we don't want.
8:37 p.m. ET–Huntsman: Reform the tax code. Second is regulatory reform. Businesses are saying there's no predictability. Third, energy independence.
8:36 p.m. ET– Q from Portsmouth, Virginia : what would you do to get the economy moving forward?

8:32 p.m. ET--Bachmann: Principles needs to change. For years politicians have run on the idea that government takes care of these things...we've been paying for the freight of all these things. We have to be an ownership society with individual responsibility.

8:31 p.m. ET–Paul: No. Cut the Dept. of Education, the Dept of Energy.

8:29 p.m. ET–Q: Would you work to repeal the Medicare prescription drug benefit?

8:26 p.m. ET–Gingrich: We need to cut government waste.

8:25 p.m. ET–Q from Pleasanton: What is your plan to balance the budget and get spending under control?

8:24 p.m. ET - EWErickson: I think having a #CNNTeaParty debate helps the candidates. Tonight they know who their audience is.

8:22 p.m. ET–Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum: Well, the question is who is with me? Because I've been out here talking about - you want to talk about courage to tell the truth, Governor? I was out in 1994 running against a Democratic incumbent in a campaign managed by James Carville, and I went out and talked about Social Security reform.
8:22 p.m. ET–Q:Senator Santorum, when it comes to Social Security, are you with Governor Romney or Governor Perry?

8:21 p.m. ET–Gingrich: I just want to make two simple points about Social Security and how you save it. The first is, you get back to a full employment economy, and at four percent unemployment you have such a huge increase in funding, that you change every single out year of projection in a positive way. The second is if you are younger - everybody who is older and wants to be totally protected, fine, no change. If you're younger and you would like a personal account, you would control instead of the politicians.

8:21 p.m. ET–Huntsman: I don't think anything should be off the table except the drama. To hear these two go at it...all I know is we're frightening the American people...the fixes are there.

8:20 p.m .ET–Texas Rep. Ron Paul: I agree that Social Security is broke.

8:20 p.m. ET– Romney: Governor, the term Ponzi scheme is what scared seniors.

8:19 p.m. ET Perry: The issue is are there ways to move the states into Social Security for employees or retirees. Rather than scare seniors, it's time to have a legitimate conversation in this country about how to fix the program.

8:17 p.m. ET Perry: If you're asking if they did the right thing 70 or 80 years ago, I'm not going to agree with that. But the question is do you believe it should be ended as a federal program?

8:16 p.m .ET–Romney: The term Ponzi scheme is over the top, unnecessary, and frightens people. He criticizes Perry's view on Social Security.
8:15 p.m. ET–Romney: The real question is does Gov. Perry continue to believe that Social Security should not be a federal program, is unconstitutional, and should be returned to the states?

8:15 p.m. ET–Texas Gov. Rick Perry: People who are on Social Security need to understand that program will be there for them. But the idea is we've not had the courage to look Americans in the face...look them in the eye and say this is a broken system...it's been called a Ponzi scheme by those long before me...but it needs to be fixed.

soundoff(2,499 Responses)

BoBo

Opinion: If you replay the whole debate, Wolf took up way too much time. The questions should have been asked, then responded to. If Wolf would have kept his camera time to a minimum, many more good questions could have been asked.

September 12, 2011 10:09 pm at 10:09 pm |

krehator

The Winner of this debate is President Obama.

September 12, 2011 10:09 pm at 10:09 pm |

PBarr

WOLF ACTUALLY HAD A GOOD QUESTION when he asked who would care for the young man who dropped his insurance and then needed 6 mos of intensive care, Ron Paul answered that the churches would take care of him, duh? The churches are not going to pay the med bills so therefore it lands on the backs of the American taxpayer! Why do you think Obama issued the order that ALL people need to be covered by insurance? The Tea party talks out of both sides of their mouths wanting less govt. interference yet wanting all the benefits. It is no different than requiring drivers to have liability insurance or seat belt laws or helmets for motorcycle drivers, it's all for the good of the people, no matter how we grumble! Oh yeah, tell Huntsman he has never been on the US/Mexico border or he would NOT make stupid statements, this one is for Perry-Boots on the ground-but we are in debt over our heads –so who will Pay?

September 12, 2011 10:09 pm at 10:09 pm |

Richard Poirier

Newt Gingrich is thoughtful, articulate and a real intellectual. The kind of candidate the Republicans need to debate Obama in the general election. Then the voters who thought Obama was sincerely trying to help America would realize Obama can't defend his beliefs or policies.

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

Joe Pennsylvania

Rick was from my state. He's an idiot. DR. RON PAUL for Prez!!! UNDECIDED PEOPLE PLEASE Read any of Paul's books. He's a Genius!

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

Garry

"Latino voters" does not mean immigrant, does not mean Mexican, does not mean illegal. I am Latino and am not an immigrant, a Mexican nor an illegal citizen. Get your terms right WOLF!!!!

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

Richard

A Republican will win by a landslide in 2012!!!!!!
GO REPUBLICANS

Bring America back to it's rightful place of great prominence!

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

DoryR

I've wittled my selection down to 5 after this debate: Mr. Cain, Backman, Romney,Gingrich and Santorum. Wish all would post all questions asked on their own web site with their individual answers. M. Backman said she wanted to answer all of the questions. I think they all should.

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

1foreveryone

The preamble to the constitution says "promote the general wellfare?. I guess it's like the bible, you can pick and choose if it suits you?

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

Owen Smith

CNN's coverage was fabulous and without nary a fault. –Owen

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

Brett

Jfra, I like Canada and the people who live there. But you are misguided as to the quality of your care. There are a large number of Canadians that cross the border to get needed care.You can afford to spend money on social programs because your country knows that the US has your back when it comes to defense so you don't need to spend heavily on Defense. Canada is much like Europe and the EU. Europe/EU are in deep trouble financially due to their social programs not to mention that you give up a great deal of freedom when you begin to depend on government for all of your benefits. Also, you only have 25 million citizens to deal with.

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

J.R. "Bob" Dobbs

The Republican Party wants to take us back to the Middle Ages. Forced Christian state religion, no health care, anti-science, no democratic representation, no personal freedoms, military Crusades against the "infidels", and a TOTAL American Plutocracy... Talk about the GRAND "OLD" PARTY!

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

Melissa

"ILLEGAL" Immigration! KEY word being "ILLEGAL"! Our Country was founded on Immigration. ALL agree on that. BUT the difference is they came LEGALLY!! We can save Billions if not Trillions if we send the "ILLEGAL" immigrants back along with all the money that is given to them. This includes the children that they had while they were here being it should becomes null and void due to the fact that they were never here legally. All this money should then be used for AMERICAN citizens! Our Senior, children and vets. Then the remainder to pay off the debt and get a hold back on "OUR" Country! And Yes, "our citizens" will do the work we say no one wants to do. We could also have those on welfare or unemployment preform those jobs instead of free hand out. Where has our comon sense gone?? If you need to flee to this country, fine come and then apply for assylum. LET'S TAKE CARE OF OWN FIRST!!

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

vinny

Love Ron Paul!! No one else will get my vote!!

September 12, 2011 10:10 pm at 10:10 pm |

michael

If you got more miles out of the gas it would stop the creation of wealth! The trade off is its causing global warming and will destroy your world!

September 12, 2011 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |

Dan Cerny

Candidates are better forming their positions. My leaning is towards Mitt.
My compliments to Tea Party for grass roots response to issues.
My compliments to Wolf Blitzer for excellent and fair moderation of the debate.
He focused on issues, not hype or fomenting a fight. Good job Wolf.

September 12, 2011 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |

Jordan

Why do freedom, peace and prosperity get so much opposition?
Dr. Ron Paul for president.

September 12, 2011 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |

Patrick Tucson

Romney has the best poise.....Perry the strongest heart....Cain the most dynamic ideas....Santorum still learning about....Newt true republican which is good....Paul, Barbaric.......Bachmann stilll trrying to figure out....

September 12, 2011 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |

Stephan D. Markos

In my personal interactions with most people I find that Dr. Paul's positions enjoy overwhelming support.
His treatment by the media is not only embarrasing but insulting.
Spread the Word. RON PAUL 2012

September 12, 2011 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

Bill

msnbc just cited a CNN Poll and skipped over Ron Paul and din;t include him on the TV screen. Talk about corrupt. Ron Paul is for the people and a major threat to corrupt and power hungry elites.

September 12, 2011 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

Denis Lacey

If you call Newt the "big Thinker" then why would you not include him in more discussion..Wolf I always respected U but this was just not right

September 12, 2011 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

Sean Donovan

I'm a veteran and a third generation American who is in awe of the economic freedoms this country was founded upon. I think it's very inspiring how far we have come since the 2008 election. I remember one candidate who introduced the perspectives discussed tonight, though, at the time in 2008, they seemed very radical. I don't put my trust and confidence in the number of candidates on the stage who have adapted their views to align with the man who inspired the formation of the movement now known as the Tea Party.

I trust one man and one man only as my commander and chief: Ron Paul.

September 12, 2011 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

ConcernedAboutHealthCare

I can barely afford my health care copays. If you repeal Obama's health care, what are you going to do to make health care more affordable and available? It is one thing to criticize what people did, but what are you going to do in place of it? Bush had 8 years to put forward a healthcare plan, but didn't. At least Obama tried.

September 12, 2011 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

J.R. "Bob" Dobbs

NO EPA... Let the world goto Hell in a handbasket. We don't need no stinking health care... With no EPA people won't live long enough to worry about health care...

September 12, 2011 10:12 pm at 10:12 pm |

Rich

After listening to the shills for lobbyists, I was favoring Ron Paul. Then, he implied the church should take care of health care. Now, I'm voting for Gary Johnson.